The importance of morphological changes in neutrophils in the diagnosis of bacterial infections in dogs with confirmed urinary tract infections in a Veterinary Care Service, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Neutrophils (PMNs) are cellular markers used for diagnosing inflammation and/or infections. In this study, the objective was to highlight the importance of recording the toxic morphological alterations of the PMNs as markers of infection in 10 cases, positive bacterial isolation by culture due to dysuria, hematuria and/or fetid urine, as manifestations of urinary tract disease. Smear observations were performed by immersion for counting and morphological evaluations of 3,000 leukocytes in smears and in leukocyte concentrate. One (10.0%) of the dogs had leukocytosis, and two (20.0%) dogs had leukopenia. All animals showed toxic PMNs with positive bacterial culture. None of the cases in the study showed any quantitative alterations in PMNs such as: neutropenia or neutrophilia, where 100% had nuclear displacement of the regenerative type of PMNs to the left. 100% cases had toxic morphological changes: 90.0% had PMNs with toxic granulations, 80.0% had giant rod neutrophils, 70.0% had target PMNs, in 50.0% of those with vacuolation in the cytoplasm, in 40.0% of the animals, the presence of giant PMNs, 10.0% with Döhle bodies, and another animal 10.0% with karyorrhexis. All case studies had at least one association of two types of toxic changes. Toxic morphological alterations observed in PMNs through cystoscopy proved to be more reliable and sensitive in evidencing the diagnosis of infections than the quantitative alterations of absolute values of total leukocytes; therefore, they were essential in the laboratory diagnosis by blood count in the course of infections in dogs.

Os neutrófilos (PMNs) são marcadores celulares para o diagnóstico de inflamação e/ou infecções. Neste estudo, o objetivo foi apresentar a importância das alterações morfológicas tóxicas dos PMNs envolvidos como marcadores de infecção, em 10 casos com isolamento bacteriano positivo por cultura devido à disúria, hematúria e/ou urina fétida, como manifestações clínicas de doença do trato urinário. As observações de esfregaço foram realizadas para contagens e avaliações morfológicas de 3.000 leucócitos, em esfregaços e em concentrado de leucócitos. Um (10,0%) dos cães teve leucocitose e dois (20,0%) cães apresentaram leucopenia. Todos os animais tiveram alterações tóxicas em PMNs (100% dos casos) e com cultura bacteriana positiva. Nenhum dos casos do estudo apresentou qualquer alteração quantitativa nos PMNs como: neutropenia ou neutrofilia onde 10 (100%) tiveram deslocamento nuclear do tipo regenerativo de PMNs para a esquerda. 10 (100%) casos apresentaram alterações morfológicas tóxicas: nove (90,0%) tinham PMNs com granulações tóxicas, oito (80,0%) tinham neutrófilos de bastonetes gigantes, sete (70,0%) tinham PMNs-alvo, em cinco (50,0%) daqueles com vacuolização no citoplasma, em quatro (40,0%) dos animais a presença de PMNs gigantes, um (10,0%) com corpos de Döhle e outro animal (10,0%) com cariorrexia. Todos os casos observados tiveram pelo menos uma associação de dois tipos de alterações tóxicas. As alterações morfológicas tóxicas, observadas nos PMNs através da cistoscopia, foram mais confiáveis, e sensíveis em evidenciar o diagnóstico de infecções, do que as alterações dos valores absolutos de leucócitos totais e mesmo de PMNs em exames de rotina no curso de infecções em cães.

Acometimento pulmonar e articular secundário à síndrome de Lemierre: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Pulmonary and joint involvement secondary to Lemierre syndrome: case report and literature review

A síndrome de Lemierre caracteriza-se por uma rara entidade que gera tromboflebite da veia jugular interna e embolismo séptico em história da infecção recente da orofaringe, além de sinais radiológicos e isolamento de patógenos anaeróbicos, principalmente Fusobacterium necrophorum. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 13 anos de idade, com histórico de carcinoma de nasofaringe associado ao vírus Epstein-Barr (estadiamento T4N2M0), submetida a procedimentos cirúrgicos e quimiorradioterapia. Iniciou com queixa de mialgia intensa, diplopia, lesões infectadas em membros e choque séptico. Por meio de exames de ultrassonografia cervical com Doppler colorido e tomografia computadorizada de pescoço com contraste endovenoso, foram identificados trombos intraluminais na veia jugular interna, além de trombos sépticos pulmonares, por meio da tomografia computadorizada de tórax. Posteriormente, ainda evoluiu com artrite piogênica coxofemoral esquerda. Foi isolada, por hemocultura, a bactéria Klebsiella pneumoniae Carpemenase, e o tratamento se deu pela associação entre vancomicina, amicacina, meropenem, metronidazol e anfotericina B. Conclui-se que, após o diagnóstico de SL e, embora com múltiplas complicações e diagnóstico tardio, a paciente encontra-se bem e assintomática, além do relato comprovar a dificuldade diagnóstica e de seu tratamento

Lemierre's syndrome is a rare condition that leads to thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and septic embolism following recent oropharyngeal infection, being characterized by radiological signs and isolation of anaerobic pathogens, especially Fusobacterium necrophorum. We report the case of a 13-year-old female patient with history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma associated with Epstein-Barr virus (T4N2M0 staging), who underwent surgical procedures and chemoradiotherapy. Her initial complaint was severe myalgia, diplopia, infected limb injuries, and septic shock. Cervical color Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography scan of the neck with intravenous contrast showed intraluminal thrombi in the internal jugular vein, and chest computed tomography showed pulmonary septic thrombi. Subsequently, she progressed with left coxofemoral pyogenic arthritis. The bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae Carpemenase was isolated in blood culture, and the patient was treated with the association of vancomycin, amikacin, meropenem, metronidazole, and amphotericin B. It is concluded that, despite the multiple complications and late diagnosis, the patient is well and asymptomatic after the diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome; in addition, the report proves the difficulty of diagnosis and treatme

Adaptability and phenotypic stability for productive and reproductive traits in Nelore cattle / Adaptabilidade e estabilidade fenotípica para características produtiva e reprodutiva em animais da raça Nelore

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to estimate adaptability and stability parameters for Nellore bulls in 3 different regions. The traits analyzed included the weight of the animals raised in pasture at 420 days of age (W420) and at the age at first calving (AFC). The information used in this study was related to the phenotypic mean of the females which were the offspring of the top ten classified bulls based in one region. We used the methods proposed by Finlay & Wilkinson (1963) & Eberhart and Russell (1966) in order to evaluate the parameters of adaptability and stability of these animals. The averages estimated by the method of least squares were 243.91±34.90 kg and 1182.54±57.82 days, respectively, for the traits W420 and AFC. Adaptability and stability parameters for the W420 characteristic showed that it is feasible to identify bulls with predictable behavior in different environments, and that these animals may generate progenies which may achieve above-average performance. Behavior of the 10 bulls analyzed in the different regions studied for the traits W420 and AFC showed that the herds and the regions influenced the performance of their progenies. The methods used allowed us to identify bulls with general adaptability, high stability, and better performances, which may be the most suitable to be used in herds in which the genetic merit of the cows and the environment where the progenies will be raised are both unknown.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar parâmetros de adaptabilidade e estabilidade para touros da raça Nelore em três regiões diferentes. As características analisadas foram o peso aos 420 dias de idade (P420) e a idade ao primeiro parto (IPP) de animais criados em regime de pasto. As informações utilizadas no estudo foram referentes a média fenotípica das fêmeas, filhas dos dez melhores touros classificados com base em uma região. Para avaliar os parâmetros de adaptabilidade e a estabilidade foram utilizadas as metodologias propostas por FINLAY & WILKINSON (1963) e EBERHART & RUSSELL (1966). As médias estimadas pelos métodos dos quadrados mínimos foram de 243,91±34,90kg e 1182,54±157,82 dias, respectivamente, para as características P420 e IPP. Os parâmetros de adaptabilidade e estabilidade para a característica P420 mostraram que é possível identificar os touros com comportamento previsível nos diferentes ambientes e que poderão gerar progênies com desempenho acima da média. O comportamento dos dez touros analisados nas diferentes regiões estudadas para as características P420 e IPP, evidenciaram que os rebanhos e as regiões influenciaram na performance de suas progênies. Por meio das metodologias aplicadas é possível identificar touros com adaptabilidade geral, alta estabilidade e com melhores desempenhos, os quais seriam os mais adequados a se utilizar em rebanhos em que não se conhece o mérito genético das vacas e nem o ambiente onde serão criadas as progênies.

Intestinal Lesion in a Dog Due to Cryptococcus gattii Type VGII and Review of Published Cases of Canine Gastrointestinal Cryptococcosis.

Cryptococcosis is a mycosis caused by yeasts of genus Cryptococcus, mainly the species C. neoformans and C. gattii that can affect humans and animals. These yeasts are widely distributed in the environment and are typically associated with avian droppings and decaying wood. Most infections are related to the respiratory tract, but the central nervous system and cutaneous lesions are also reported in the literature. The present report is a case of cryptococcosis in an 18-month-old unspayed female English Bulldog with the main complaint of weight loss and diarrhea. The presence of two large masses observed in an ultrasound examination leads us to perform an exploratory laparotomy. Considering the size of the lesion and the impossibility of owner to provide intensive care, the consent for euthanasia was requested. The postmortem diagnosis of cryptococcosis was revealed by cytological evaluation, and the involvement of C. gattii VGII was confirmed by isolation and identification tests as well as by the detection of the URA5 gene restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR analysis. Reports in the literature of the involvement of Cryptococcus in gastrointestinal lesions are rare in both human and veterinary medicine. Data about different forms of cryptococcosis are important to provide more knowledge of uncommon clinical presentations of this yeast and therefore improve the diagnoses and decisions for the best therapy.

Hematological changes associated with hemoplasma infection in cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This study aimed to detect Mycoplasma spp. in naturally infected cats from Rio de Janeiro and to evaluate hematological abnormalities and factors associated with this infection. Out of the 197 cats sampled, 11.2% presented structures compatible with hemoplasma organisms on blood smears. In contrast, 22.8% were positive for Mycoplasma spp. by means of 16S rRNA gene real-time polymerase chain reaction, which reflects the weak concordance between techniques. The infection rates, by means of 16S rRNA gene conventional polymerase chain reaction, was 4.6%, 4.6% and 11.7% for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' (CMt) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (CMhm), respectively. Mhf and CMhm infections are more frequent in the summer (p>0.05). Presence of anemia (p < 0.02), lymphocytosis (p < 0.03), thrombocytopenia (p < 0.04) and activated monocytes (p < 0.04) was associated with Mhf infection. No hematological abnormality was associated with CMt or CMhm infection. Male cats were more prone to be infected by Mhf or CMhm (p < 0.01). Adult cats had more chance to be infected by CMhm. Three hemoplasma species occur in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro and Mhf seems to be the most pathogenic of them. Anemia is the most important hematological abnormality.

Hematological changes associated with hemoplasma infection in cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Alterações hematológicas associadas à infecção por hemoplasmas em gatos do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract This study aimed to detect Mycoplasma spp. in naturally infected cats from Rio de Janeiro and to evaluate hematological abnormalities and factors associated with this infection. Out of the 197 cats sampled, 11.2% presented structures compatible with hemoplasma organisms on blood smears. In contrast, 22.8% were positive for Mycoplasma spp. by means of 16S rRNA gene real-time polymerase chain reaction, which reflects the weak concordance between techniques. The infection rates, by means of 16S rRNA gene conventional polymerase chain reaction, was 4.6%, 4.6% and 11.7% for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ (CMt) and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ (CMhm), respectively. Mhf and CMhm infections are more frequent in the summer (p>0.05). Presence of anemia (p < 0.02), lymphocytosis (p < 0.03), thrombocytopenia (p < 0.04) and activated monocytes (p < 0.04) was associated with Mhf infection. No hematological abnormality was associated with CMt or CMhm infection. Male cats were more prone to be infected by Mhf or CMhm (p < 0.01). Adult cats had more chance to be infected by CMhm. Three hemoplasma species occur in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro and Mhf seems to be the most pathogenic of them. Anemia is the most important hematological abnormality.

Resumo Este estudo teve por objetivo detectar Mycoplasma spp. em gatos naturalmente infectados do Rio de Janeiro e avaliar as alterações hematológicas e fatores associados à infecção. Dos 197 gatos amostrados, 11,2% apresentaram estruturas compatíveis com hemoplasmas em esfregaços de sangue. Em contraste, 22,8% foram positivas para Mycoplasma spp. por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real (qPCR), baseado no gene 16S rRNA, o que reflete a fraca concordância entre as técnicas. As taxas de infecção, por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase convencional baseada no gene 16S rRNA, foi de 4,6%, 4,6% e 11,7% para Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' (CMt) e 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (CMhm), respectivamente. Infecção por Mhf e CMhm foram mais frequentes no verão (p> 0,05). Anemia (p<0,02), linfocitose (p<0,03), trombocitopenia (p<0,04), e presença de monócitos ativados (p<0,04) foram associados à infecção por Mhf. Nenhuma alteração hematológica foi associada à infecção por CMt ou CMhm. Gatos machos estão mais propensos à infecção por Mhf ou CMhm (p<0,01). Gatos adultos têm maiores chances de se infectarem por CMhm. Há ocorrência de três espécies de hemoplasmas na Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro e Mhf parece ser o mais patogênico, tendo a anemia como principal alteração hematológica.

Genetic parameters for type classification of Nelore cattle on central performance tests at pasture in Brazil.

The objective of this study was to characterize Nelore cattle on central performance tests in pasture, ranked by the visual classification method EPMURAS (structure, precocity, muscle, navel, breed, posture, and sexual characteristics), and to estimate genetic and phenotypic correlations between these parameters, including visual as well as production traits (initial and final weight on test, weight gain, and weight corrected for 550 days). The information used in the study was obtained on 21,032 Nelore bulls which were participants in the central performance test at pasture of the Brazilian Association for Zebu Breeders (ABCZ). Heritabilities obtained were from 0.19 to 0.50. Phenotypic correlations were positive from 0.70 to 0.97 between the weight traits, from 0.65 to 0.74 between visual characteristics, and from 0.29 to 0.47 between visual characteristics and weight traits. The genetic correlations were positive ranging from 0.80 to 0.98 between the characteristics of structure, precocity and musculature, from 0.13 to 0.64 between the growth characteristics, and from 0.41 to 0.97 between visual scores and weight gains. Heritability and genetic correlations indicate that the use of visual scores, along with the selection for growth characteristics, can bring positive results in selection of beef cattle for rearing on pasture.

Perfil leucocitário de frangos de corte tratados com ocratoxina A / Leucocytes of broilers chickens treated with ochratoxin A

Alterações leucocitárias provocadas pela administração única de baixa dose de ocratoxina A foram avaliadas em 120 pintos deum dia da linhagem comercial de corte Hiyeld/Rezende. Os animais foram separados em três grupos experimentais: grupo 1(n=40) sem tratamento; grupo 2 (n=40) tratado com 40mg/Kg ocratoxina A e grupo 3 (n=40) tratado com solução salinatamponada. As amostras de sangue foram obtidas e analisadas no dia da aplicação, aos sete, 14 e 21 dias de vida. Foiobservada uma redução significativa (p<0,01) de leucócitos mononucleares (linfócitos e monócitos) nas aves tratadas comocratoxina A, caracterizando toxidez aguda decorrente da exposição à baixa dose da micotoxina em aves neonatas, após umaúnica exposição.

Leucocytes dysfunction caused by the administration of a single low dose of ochratoxin A (OTA) was evaluated in 120 one day oldchicks from broiler line HIYIELD/REZENDE. The study was carried out in three groups of animals: group 1 (n=40) with treatedanimals; group 2 (n=40) with animals treated with OTA and group 3 (n= 40), which received a phosphate buffered saline (PBS).Blood samples were obtained and analyzed in the same day of inoculation, and at seven, 14th and 21st days old. A significantreduction of mononuclear leukocytes was observed in the birds treated with OTA, suggesting an acute toxicity as a result of theexposure to a single low dose of OTA in neonatal chicks.

Enfermidades do trato respiratório posterior em equinos de equitação no Rio de Janeiro: prevalência aspctos clínico-laboratoriais / Lower respiratory tract diseases in riding horses in Rio de Janeiro: prevalence, clinical and laboratory aspects

Enfermidades do trato respiratório posterior em eqüinos estabulados em grandes centros urbanos são uma realidade em vários locais do mundo. Com o objetivo de verificar a prevalência e discutir aspectos clínico-laboratoriais relevantes para o diagnóstico das enfermidades do trato respiratório posterior, foram examinados 23 eqüinos, regularmente utilizados para equitação, pertencentes ao Regimento Escola de Cavalaria-Andrade Neves EB/MElRJ, com sintomas sugestivos de doença respiratória, sendo 14 machos e 09 fêmeas, com idades variando de 03 a 22 anos e pesando entre 400 e 530 kg. Realizaram-se: exame físico, endoscopia, hemograma, dosagem de fibrinogênio plasmático e citologia do lavado broncoalveolar. Considerando-se o total de animais examinados encontrou-se 4,3% de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, 8,7% de broncopneumonias, 17,4%% de doença inflamatória de vias aéreas, 47,8% de hemorragia pulmonar induzida pelo exercício e 4,3% de doença - pulmonar indiferenciada

Assessment of some clinical and laboratory variables for early diagnosis of cumulative copper poisoning in sheep.

Sixteen male Suffolk lambs fed a 8 ppm Cu basal diet were randomly assigned to 2 groups: 12 copper-loaded (CL) and 4 controls (C). The CL sheep were drenched initially with 3 mg Cu/kg bw daily for a week. Every week an additional dose of 3 mg Cu/kg bw was included in the drench until signs of copper poisoning appeared; the control sheep were drenched with saline solution. The onset of copper poisoning occurred between 42 and 55 d. Food intake and body weight were recorded daily. Blood samples were collected weekly to measure the activity of the liver enzymes gamma-glutamyltransferase (gammaGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), sorbitoll dehydrogenase (SDH) and acid phosphatase (AF). The following changes were significantly recorded in the CL sheep in the weeks or days previous to the hemolytic crisis: higher levels of gammaGT were found on the -28th d increasing slowly but continuously until the hemolytic crisis; SDH fluctuated during the period presenting higher levels on the -28th, -14th and -7th d; AST and AF activities increased from the -14th and -7th d respectively; sharp decreases in the activities of SDH and AF at the hemolytic crisis; lower feed intake and body weight gain from the -7th d; and sheep ceased eating concentrates from the -9th d and became anoretic the day before the hemolytic crisis. Plasma copper concentration increased only the day before the hemolytic crisis. There were no changes in respiratory and heart rates, rectal temperature or rumen movements throughout the pre-hemolytic phase. The higher the amount of cumulative copper drenched, the higher was the gammaGT and AST activities. It was concluded that gammaGT followed by AST are the best enzymes to assess copper-load in sheep during the pre-hemolytic phase. Sheep fed copper-rich diets with high plasma activity of these enzymes, decreased feed consumption and subtle loss of body weight are most likely to present with a hemolytic crisis in a few days.